Stakeholders sign small-scale mining covenant

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – In a symposium on Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Participation in Small-Scale Gold Mining Governance in Benguet held on January 19, 2018 at the Benguet Provincial Capitol, participants and stakeholders of the sector signed a covenant committing to actively participate in the transparent and accountable governance of small scale gold mining in Benguet and to working in concerted effort for the benefit of all stakeholders.

The covenant acknowledges the 1987 Philippine Constitution provision that the exploration, development, and utilization of mineral resources shall be under the full control and supervision of the State. Furthermore, the covenant recognizes that the prudent use of natural resources is necessary for the sustainable development of our province and our country; that small scale mining can contribute to poverty reduction and the growth of our economy; that the interests of the stakeholders carry with it the responsibilities for ensuring the proper management of our finite mineral resources, the protection of our fragile environment, the preservation of people’s rights to a balanced ecology and, the fulfillment of our obligations to the State.

This activity gathered the leaders and representatives of the local government units for the thirteen municipalities of the province, representatives from the small scale mining sector, and representatives from government agencies involved in the project.